By Pam Creech
Contributing Writer
Onlookers at Brunswick Forest might see runners toting trumpets, clarinets, violins and other musical instruments on the paved running trails Saturday, Jan. 25. It’s not a new form of marching band; it’s the Wilmington Symphony’s second annual Beethoven 15k and 5k walk and run.
“Carry a musical instrument” is an optional category for the day’s races. Awards will be given to two participants who complete either the 15k or the 5k with an instrument in tow.
Jamie Rowen, vocalist/guitarist in folk band Stray Local, will carry the band’s washtub bass on his back as he runs the Beethoven 5k. The instrument is composed of wood and an aluminum washtub.
“There’s two [awards] — one for the biggest instrument and one for the most unique. I’m trying to win both,” Rowen said.
Rowen is excited to run with one of Stray Local’s instruments.
“We call him George Washintub,” he explained. “He actually has a Facebook page. We put a face on him — he has googly eyes and a mustache.”
Nick Simon, the band’s percussionist, will run with Rowen.
Rowen competed in cross country in high school and numerous 5ks and half marathons, although the Beethoven 5k will be his first time running with the bass.
“I have to find a cushion for the back of my shoulder,” he said.
Rowen is also enthusiastic about supporting fellow musicians.
“I’m running because it’s combining two of my favorite things — staying healthy and music,” he said. “I went to school at [the University of North Carolina Greensboro] and I studied classical music there.”
While the 5k is for individuals only, the 15k offers participants the option to race in teams. Each team requires a minimum of four and a maximum of eight runners. The times of the first four athletes on each team to cross the finish line will be added toward the team’s time. The two teams with the lowest cumulative time will receive awards. Team members will also be eligible for individual awards.
The races will begin at 8:15 a.m. and 9 a.m. at the Brunswick Forest Fitness Center. Runners and walkers are welcome on both courses. All proceeds will benefit the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra.
Participants are encouraged to prepare skits to perform before and after the race.
A post-race party will take place in the center’s Leland Room. The celebration will include food, beverages, music, prize drawings and a presentation of awards. The top two finishers in each category, including age group categories, will receive awards. All 5k and 15k participants will receive long-sleeved running shirts. All 15k finishers — runners and walkers — will receive medals.
To register, visit www.active.com. Registration is $50 for the 15k and $35 for the 5k. To learn more about Stray Local, visit www.facebook.com/StrayLocal
